We the sons and daughters of Saint Louis University are truly disappointed. As students, we want to be proud of our education and the institution we spend four or more years at. However, if the Chinese language department is to close, how can we be proud of a university that erases us? How can we be Billikens forever and ever if we are not represented in the curriculum? 

We, those who promote diversity, specifically Chinese language and culture, wants to be included in our school. What kind of message will that send to potential students and our international students if we close a department that bridges our scholars to a global community? Closing the Chinese department not only disrupts learning for more than 70 students minoring in the language, but also for those involved in International Business, Study Abroad, Asian Studies, and INTO. Without study in the Chinese language, these students will struggle to find jobs after graduation, will find it is near impossible to finish their major or minor, and will be unprepared for study abroad programs in China. Furthermore, without the Chinese department’s language partner program, bonding between international and American students will be derailed.

If you are affiliated with the Chinese program at SLU, please also feel free to sign our letter to the provost: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x7X4zjwJ8a2z5EkO8HN0ODdFKJx5VI9zpN3_v_39IDc/edit?usp=sharing